Studies of Ultrafast Transient Absorption Spectroscopy of Gold Nanorods in an Aqueous Solution.

Herein, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy is performed to probe the electron transfer studies between aqueous solution and gold nanorods (Au NRs). The seed-mediated growth method is used to synthesize crystalline cylindrical Au NRs having longitudinal plasmon resonance peak maximum at 825 nm. The as-synthesized Au NRs show average width and length of ∼10 ± 2 and ∼50 ± 2 nm, respectively, with an aspect ratio in the range of ∼5. The time-resolved decay profiles have been studied in a subpicosecond resolution range using pump wavelength at 410 nm excitation and probe wavelengths from visible to near-infrared region. The plasmon dynamics studies of Au NRs depend on the electron heating phenomena, coherent acoustic phonon vibration and electronic transient behavior, i.e., electron-phonon coupling, and homogenous dephasing processes. Thus, the obtained results highlighted that the ultrafast charge transfer dynamics studies in Au NRs could play an important role to elucidate their electronic, photothermal, and optical properties for molecular imaging, photothermal therapy, and optoelectronic and light-harvesting devices.

Efficacy of 1% Metformin Gel in Patients With Moderate and Severe Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy of metformin (MF) 1% gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of moderate and severe chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: Seventy patients were categorized into two treatment groups: 1) SRP plus 1% MF and 2) SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. They included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Radiologic assessment of intrabony defects (IBDs) and percentage defect depth reduction (DDR%) was done at baseline and 6- and 9-month intervals using computer-aided software. PD, CAL, and DDR% were evaluated in two subgroups in both the placebo and MF group: 1) initial PD of 5 to 7 mm and 2) initial PD of >7 mm. RESULTS: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain was found to be greater in the MF group than the placebo group at all visits. Clinical parameters (PD, CAL) in both subgroups, with initial PDs of 5 to 7 and >7 mm, showed significant improvement in the 1% MF group compared with the placebo group. A significantly greater mean DDR% was found in the MF group than the placebo group at 6 and 9 months in both subgroups, 5 to 7 and >7 mm of initial PD. CONCLUSION: There was a greater decrease in PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD depth reduction at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered MF in patients with CP in both initial PD = 5 to 7 and >7 mm subgroups compared with placebo.

Unclonable Security Codes Designed from Multicolor Luminescent Lanthanide-Doped Y2O3 Nanorods for Anticounterfeiting.

The duplicity of important documents has emerged as a serious problem worldwide. Therefore, many efforts have been devoted to developing easy and fast anticounterfeiting techniques with multicolor emission. Herein, we report the synthesis of multicolor luminescent lanthanide-doped Y2O3 nanorods by hydrothermal method and their usability in designing of unclonable security codes for anticounterfeiting applications. The spectroscopic features of nanorods are probed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Y2O3:Eu3+, Y2O3:Tb3+, and Y2O3:Ce3+ nanorods emit hypersensitive red (at 611 nm), strong green (at 541 nm), and bright blue (at 438 nm) emissions at 254, 305, and 381 nm, respectively. The SEM and TEM/HRTEM results reveal that these nanorods have diameter and length in the range of 80-120 nm and ∼2-5 µm, respectively. The two-dimensional spatially resolved photoluminescence intensity distribution in nanorods is also investigated by using confocal photoluminescence microscopic technique. Further, highly luminescent unclonable security codes are printed by a simple screen printing technique using luminescent ink fabricated from admixing of lanthanide doped multicolor nanorods in PVC medium. The prospective use of these multicolor luminescent nanorods provide a new opportunity for easily printable, highly stable, and unclonable multicolor luminescent security codes for anti-counterfeiting applications.

Human chemerin correlation in gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid as markers of inflammation in chronic periodontitis and type-2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels and correlation of human chemerin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and tear fluid in chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects with and without type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 had 10 periodontally healthy subjects; group 2 consisted of 15 CP subjects and group 3 had 15 type-2 DM subjects with CP. The GCF and tear fluid levels of human chemerin were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Systemic parameters such as body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels and fasting plasma glucose levels were evaluated. The clinical outcomes evaluated were gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), and the correlations of the two inflammatory mediators with clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Human chemerin levels increased from group 1 to group 2 to group 3. The GCF and tear-fluid values of the inflammatory mediators correlated positively with each other and with the evaluated periodontal parameters (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Human chemerin can be considered as possible GCF and tear-fluid markers of inflammatory activity in CP and DM.

Triphala, a New Herbal Mouthwash for the Treatment of Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: An antiplaque agent with minimal side effects that can be used as an effective adjunct to mechanical plaque control is needed. The current study is designed to evaluate efficacy of triphala (TRP) mouthwash in reduction of plaque and gingivitis. METHODS: Ninety individuals with chronic generalized gingivitis were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) group I, placebo mouthwash; 2) group II, TRP mouthwash; and 3) group III, chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. All individuals were instructed to rinse with their respective mouthwash twice daily. 1) Plaque index (PI); 2) gingival index (GI); 3) oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S); and 4) microbiologic colony counts were recorded at baseline and at 7, 30, and 60 days. RESULTS: All three groups showed gradual reduction in PI, GI, and OHI-S levels from baseline to 7, 30, and 60 days. There was also significant reduction in microbial counts in all groups at all time intervals except in group I. A significant difference was noticed with respect to reduction in PI, GI, OHI-S, and microbiologic counts in group I compared with groups II and III. However, no significant differences were found between groups II and III for any parameters at any time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: TRP mouthwash was found to decrease inflammatory parameters from baseline to follow-up intervals. Because improvement in gingivitis was comparable with that of CHX mouthwash, TRP mouthwash can be considered a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of gingivitis.

Expression of key executioner of apoptosis caspase-3 in periodontal health and disease.

AIM: A highly-regulated form of programmed cell death is apoptosis, and its perturbation has been associated with periodontal disease. Caspase-3 is one of the key executioners of apoptosis. The present study was designed to evaluate and correlate the levels of caspase-3 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in participants with clinically-healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: Forty-four sex- and age-matched participants were enrolled into three groups based on clinical parameters. Group 1 participants had clinically-healthy periodontium, group 2 participants had gingivitis, and group 3 participants had CP. GCF and serum samples were collected to evaluate the levels of caspase-3. RESULTS: The mean caspase-3 concentration in GCF and serum was highest in group 3, followed by group 2, and was significantly correlated with gingival index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). CONCLUSION: GCF and the serum concentration of caspase-3 proportionally increases with the progression of periodontal disease, that is, gingival inflammation, PD, and CAL.

Efficacy of locally-delivered 1% metformin gel in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Metformin (MF), used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, has shown to possess properties favoring osteoblastic proliferation. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of MF 1% gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: The study comprised 65 individuals divided into two groups: 1% MF with SRP and placebo gel with SRP. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; they included plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Intrabony defect depth (IBD) was evaluated at the end of 6 months using computer-aided software. RESULTS: The mean PD reduction, CAL gain, and IBD depth reduction were found to be greater in the MF group than in the placebo group at all visits. The percentage of defect depth reduction was significantly greater in the MF group (26.8 ± 5.52%) than in the placebo sites (4.79 ± 2.30%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One percent MF was found to significantly improve clinical and radiographic parameters in intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Levels of lipocalin-2 in crevicular fluid and tear fluid in chronic periodontitis and obesity subjects.

AIM: Lipocalin-2, a 25 kDa secretory glycoprotein, was first found in the neutrophilic granules of humans and in mouse kidney cells. It has been shown to have an important role in inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lipocalin-2 in gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid in patients with obesity and chronic periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 40 subjects in the age group 25-40 years were divided into four groups based on probing depth, gingival index, clinical attachment level, body mass index, and radiographic evidence of bone loss. The groups were: nonobese healthy group; obese healthy group; nonobese chronic periodontitis group; obese chronic periodontitis group Gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid samples were collected on the subsequent day. RESULTS: There was an increase in lipocalin-2 levels from group 1 to group 4 (with the nonobese healthy group showing the least levels and obese chronic periodontitis group showing the highest levels) in both gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid. CONCLUSION: Lipocalin-2 may be an important inflammatory marker that may help link obesity and chronic periodontitis.

Vaspin: a new adipokine correlating the levels of crevicular fluid and tear fluid in periodontitis and obesity.

AIM: In the present study, we investigated the levels of vaspin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and tear fluid in obese patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), and sought to find an association, if any. METHODS: Forty patients (20 males and 20 females) with moderate-severe CP were selected based on their clinical parameters of gingival index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, and divided into four groups (n = 10/group): group 1 (healthy non-obese), group 2 (healthy obese), group 3 (non-obese with CP), and group 4 (obese with CP). GCF and tear fluid vaspin levels were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean vaspin concentration both in GCF and tear fluid was greater for group 4 (1.84 ± 0.03) and (1.98 ± 0.08), followed by groups 3 (1.35 ± 0.03 and 1.50 ± 0.06), 2 (0.95 ± 0.26 and 1.27 ± 0.51), and then 1 (0.65 ± 0.02 and 0.75 ± 0.02), respectively. Mean vaspin levels correlated with BMI, CAL, and PD. The association between GCF and tear fluid vaspin concentration was also statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vaspin can be a novel biomarker connecting inflammatory marker for the systemic inflammatory response in obesity and CP.

Rosuvastatin 1.2 mg In Situ Gel Combined With 1:1 Mixture of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Porous Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft in Surgical Treatment of Mandibular Class II Furcation Defects: A Randomized Clinical Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: A wide range of regenerative materials have been tried and tested in the treatment of furcation defects. Rosuvastatin (RSV) is a new synthetic, second-generation, sulfur-containing, hydrophilic statin with potent anti-inflammatory and osseodifferentiation mechanisms of action. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a platelet concentrate having sustained release of various growth factors with regenerative potential to treat periodontal defects. Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) bone grafting material has a clinically satisfactory response when used to fill periodontal intrabony defects. This double-masked randomized study is designed to evaluate the potency of a combination of 1.2 mg RSV in situ gel with a 1:1 mixture of autologous PRF and HA bone graft in the surgical treatment of mandibular Class II furcation defects compared with autologous PRF and HA bone graft placed after open-flap debridement (OFD). METHODS: One hundred five mandibular furcation defects were treated with OFD + placebo gel (group 1), PRF + HA with OFD (group 2), or 1.2 mg RSV gel + PRF + HA with OFD (group 3). Clinical and radiologic parameters (i.e., probing depth [PD], relative vertical and relative horizontal clinical attachment level [rvCAL and rhCAL], intrabony defect depth, and percentage of defect fill) were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean PD reduction was greater in group 2 (3.68 ± 1.07 mm) and group 3 (4.62 ± 1.03 mm) than group 1 (2.11 ± 1.25 mm), and mean rvCAL and rhCAL gain were greater in group 2 (3.31 ± 0.52 and 2.97 ± 0.56 mm, respectively) and group 3 (4.17 ± 0.70 and 4.05 ± 0.76 mm) compared with group 1 (1.82 ± 0.78 and 1.62 ± 0.64 mm). A significantly greater percentage of mean bone fill was found in group 2 (54.69% ± 1.93%) and group 3 (61.94% ± 3.54%) compared with group 1 (10.09% ± 4.28%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of furcation defects with 1.2 mg RSV in situ gel combined with autologous PRF and porous HA bone graft results in significant improvements of clinical and radiographic parameters compared with OFD alone. These results imply that the combination of RSV, PRF, and HA has synergistic effects, explaining their role as a regenerative material in the treatment of furcation defects.

Efficacy of locally delivered 1.2% rosuvastatin gel to non-surgical treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues and alveolar bone that surround the tooth, leading to formation of a deepened gingival sulcus that is highly prone to pathologic changes and, ultimately, bone resorption and tooth loss. In the literature, several pharmacologic agents have been administered via local delivery routes directly into diseased sites, affirming improvement in periodontal status. Therefore, this study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness of subgingivally delivered 1.2% rosuvastatin (RSV) gel incorporated into a methylcellulose vehicle for its controlled release into intrabony defect (IBD) sites as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of patients with CP. METHODS: Sixty-five patients were categorized into two treatment groups: group 1, SRP plus 1.2 mg RSV; group 2, SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters, including modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline (before SRP) and at 1, 3, 4, and 6 months. Radiologic assessment of IBD fill was analyzed at baseline and after 6 months using software. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in both study groups. At 6 months, there was a greater decrease in mSBI scores in group 1 (3.71 ± 0.24) compared to group 2 (1.48 ± 0.33). The mean decrease in PD from baseline to 6 months was 4.04 ± 0.34 and 1.31 ± 0.24 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean CAL gain from baseline to 6 months was 4.2 ± 0.17 and 1.4 ± 0.15 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 1, there was a greater decrease in mean IBD (2.23 ± 0.32 mm, 48.58%) compared to group 2 (0.46 ± 0.02 mm, 10.02%). All patients tolerated the drug without any adverse reaction. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin in situ gel (1.2%), when delivered locally into IBD/pocket sites, showed a greater reduction than placebo in PD and gingival index, along with increased gain in CAL.

Platelet-rich fibrin with 1% metformin for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that releases various growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. Metformin (MF), a member of the biguanide group, has been shown to facilitate osteoblast differentiation and thus may exhibit a favorable effect on alveolar bone. The current study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of open-flap debridement (OFD) combined with PRF, 1% MF gel, and PRF + 1% MF gel in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with single defects were categorized into four treatment groups: OFD alone, OFD with PRF, OFD with 1% MF, and OFD with PRF plus 1% MF. Clinical parameters such as site-specific plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and gingival marginal level (GML) were recorded at baseline (before surgery) and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage radiographic IBD depth reduction was evaluated using computer-aided software at baseline and 9 months. RESULTS: PRF, 1% MF, and PRF + 1% MF groups showed significantly more PD reduction and RAL gain than the OFD-only group. Mean PD reduction and mean RAL gain were found to be greater in the PRF + 1% MF group compared to just PRF or MF at 9 months. Furthermore, PRF + 1% MF group sites showed a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect depth reduction (52.65% ± 0.031%) compared to MF (48.69% ± 0.026%), PRF (48% ± 0.029%), and OFD alone (9.14% ± 0.04%) at 9 months. CONCLUSION: The PRF + 1% MF group showed greater improvements in clinical parameters, with greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction compared to MF, PRF, or OFD alone in treatment of IBDs in patients with CP.